Cooker

Abstract

To provide a cooker capable of bringing cooked sweet potatoes into a state in which sweetness is sufficiently increased.SOLUTION: There is provided a cooker 1 for cooking sweet potatoes. A control unit 10 executes: a first temperature raising step S1 for heating a cooking vessel 4 by a heating unit 5 to raise the temperature of the cooking vessel 4 to a predetermined temperature; a sweetening step S3 for heating the cooking vessel 4 by the heating unit 5 at a predetermined temperature lower than the predetermined temperature to which the temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step S1 to saccharify the starch of the sweet potatoes in the cooking vessel 4 and increase the sweetness of the sweet potatoes; a second temperature raising step S4 for heating the cooking vessel 4 by the heating unit 5 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cooking vessel in the sweetening step S3 after the sweetening step S3 to raise the temperature of the cooking vessel 4 to a predetermined temperature; and a cooking completion step S5 for completing cooking of the sweet potatoes in the cooking vessel 4 while maintaining the temperature of the cooking vessel 4, in which the temperature is raised in the second temperature raising step S4 for a predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a cooking device for cooking sweet potatoes. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, various techniques relating to cooking devices for cooking sweet potatoes have been known. Patent Document 1 describes a sweet potato roasting machine that performs the following steps: a first step of placing sweet potatoes in water maintained at 90-95°C and boiling the sweet potatoes for 30-40 minutes; and a second step of placing the sweet potatoes boiled in the first step into an aluminum box, and then placing the aluminum box in an oven maintained at 240-260°C and heating it for 45-55 minutes, thereby roasting the sweet potatoes (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-122315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sweetness of sweet potatoes increases when the starch is saccharified by the β-amylase contained in the sweet potatoes. However, in the baked sweet potato maker, the sweet potatoes are boiled in water maintained at 90°C to 95°C in the first step, and then heated in an oven maintained at 240°C to 260°C in the second step. In this way, in a heat cooker such as the baked sweet potato maker, the temperature at which the sweet potatoes are heated is relatively high, and the sweet potatoes after cooking may not be sufficiently sweet because the starch is not sufficiently saccharified.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device that can heat-cook sweet potatoes to a state in which the sweetness is sufficiently enhanced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking device for cooking sweet potatoes according to the present invention includes a cooking container configured to be able to store the sweet potato in an internal space thereof, a heating unit that heats the cooking container to heat the sweet potato in the cooking container, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cooking container, and a control unit that is electrically connected to the heating unit and the temperature detection unit, and the control unit controls a first temperature-raising step in which the heating unit heats the cooking container to raise the temperature of the cooking container to a predetermined temperature, and a second temperature-raising step in which the cooking container is heated to a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature raised in the first temperature-raising step. a sweetening step in which the cooking vessel is heated by the heating unit at a temperature higher than that of the cooking vessel in the sweetening step to saccharify the starch of the sweet potato in the cooking vessel and increase the sweetness of the sweet potato; a second heating step in which, after the sweetening step, the cooking vessel is heated by the heating unit at a temperature higher than that of the cooking vessel in the sweetening step to raise the temperature of the cooking vessel to a predetermined temperature; and a cooking step in which the temperature of the cooking vessel raised in the second heating step is maintained for a predetermined time to cook the sweet potato in the cooking vessel. This is what is done.

[0007] According to the cooking device of the present invention, the sweet potato is cooked at a relatively low temperature, so that the cooked sweet potato can be made to have a sufficiently increased sweetness.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit executes an operation to maintain the temperature of the cooking container at 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower for a predetermined time in the sweetening step.

[0009] According to this configuration, the sweet potato is cooked at a temperature of 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower, so the cooked sweet potato can be made to have a more sufficiently sweet taste.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit executes a high temperature maintenance process after the first heating process, in which the temperature of the cooking container heated in the first heating process is maintained for a predetermined period of time, and executes the sweetening process after the high temperature maintenance process.

[0011] According to this configuration, the sweetening process is carried out while the sweet potato is heated all the way to the center in the cooking container, so that the starch contained in the sweet potato is more reliably saccharified in the sweetening process, thereby increasing the sweetness of the sweet potato.

[0012] In the present invention, the control unit determines the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container based on information regarding "the time from when the heating unit starts heating the cooking container until the temperature of the cooking container reaches a predetermined temperature in the first heating process," and preferably executes the high-temperature maintaining process, the sweetness extracting process, the second heating process, the cooking process, and the post-heating process for relatively long periods of time depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container.

[0013] According to this configuration, the sweet potato can be reliably cooked regardless of the weight of the sweet potato that occupies the cooking container.

[0014] In the present invention, the control unit determines the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container based on information regarding "the time from when the heating unit starts heating the cooking container to when the temperature of the cooking container reaches a predetermined temperature in the first heating process," and preferably extends or shortens the time for at least one of the high-temperature maintaining process, the sweetness extracting process, the second heating process, the cooking process, and the post-heating process depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container.

[0015] According to this configuration, the sweet potato can be reliably cooked regardless of the weight of the sweet potato that occupies the cooking container.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the cooking device is provided with an operation unit through which a user issues operating instructions to the cooking device, and that the second heating step and the cooking step are executed in a plurality of modes for heating and cooking the sweet potato so as to produce different textures, and that when the operation unit is operated, the control unit executes the second heating step and the cooking step in one mode selected from the plurality of modes.

[0017] According to this configuration, the sweet potato can be cooked to suit the user's preferred texture.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit executes a post-heating step of heating the cooking vessel for a predetermined time by the heating unit with increased output after the cooking step.

[0019] According to this configuration, the water remaining in the cooking container 4 can be evaporated, or the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 can be browned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The present invention has the following effects. That is, the cooking device of the present invention can cook sweet potatoes that have not yet been sufficiently sweetened. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker with the lid open. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a rice cooker. [Figure 4] This is a flow chart showing the series of steps involved in cooking sweet potatoes in a rice cooker. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the core temperature of sweet potatoes and the temperature of water in the cooking container when the second heating process and cooking process are performed using the second mode of the rice cooker. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the core temperature of sweet potatoes and the temperature of water in the cooking container when the second heating process and the cooking process are performed using the third mode of the rice cooker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] [Overall configuration of rice cooker 1] Rice cooker 1 is an embodiment of an electric rice cooker, which is an example of a cooking device according to the present invention, and automatically cooks food ingredients such as rice. In the following description, the food ingredient cooked in rice cooker 1 is described as sweet potato. Note that the cooking device according to the present invention is not limited to rice cooker 1, and may be one that cooks only sweet potato, or one that cooks various grains. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the rice cooker 1 includes a main body 2, a lid 3, a cooking container 4, a heating unit 5, a temperature detection unit 6, an operation unit 7, a display unit 8, a pressure valve 9, and a control unit 10.

[0023] The main body 2 is configured in a cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The internal space of the main body 2 is configured as a space for accommodating the cooking vessel 4. The lid 3 is connected to the main body 2 via a hinge and is configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 2. The lid 3 is configured to be able to seal the internal space of the main body 2 by closing the opening at the top of the main body 2 with the cooking container 4 housed in the internal space of the main body 2. The cooking vessel 4 is the inner pot of the rice cooker 1 and is made of a metal material. The cooking vessel 4 is configured as a cylinder with a bottom and an open top. The cooking vessel 4 is housed inside the main body 2 in a state where the sweet potato can be stored in its internal space.

[0024] The heating unit 5 is a means for heating the cooking vessel 4, thereby heating the water and sweet potato contained in the cooking vessel 4. The heating unit 5 is disposed around the cooking vessel 4 within the main body 2. The temperature detection unit 6 is a means for detecting the temperature inside the cooking container 4. The temperature detection unit 6 is disposed near the cooking container 4 inside the main body 2, and detects the temperature inside the cooking container 4 by detecting the temperature of the cooking container 4. The temperature detection unit 6 is disposed, for example, near the bottom surface of the cooking container 4. Information regarding the temperature inside the cooking container 4 detected by the temperature detection unit 6 is transmitted to the control unit 10.

[0025] The operation unit 7 is a section where the user can give operating instructions to the rice cooker 1, and is located on the top surface of the lid 3. By operating the operation unit 7, the user can select various settings such as the cooking mode of the rice cooker 1, and start and stop the cooking operation of the rice cooker 1. Information related to the various settings of the rice cooker 1, etc., obtained by operating the operation unit 17, is sent to the control unit 10. The display unit 8 is disposed on the top surface of the lid 3. The display unit 8 is composed of a liquid crystal display screen, lamps, etc. The display unit 8 displays various states of the cooking appliance 1 based on information transmitted from the control unit 10.

[0026] The pressure valve 9 is provided in the lid 3. The pressure valve 9 is configured to be able to adjust the pressure in the internal space of the main body 2 closed by the lid 3 by opening and closing it. The control unit 10 controls various operations of the rice cooker 1. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the heating unit 5, the temperature detection unit 6, the operation unit 7, the display unit 8, and the pressure valve 9, and controls the operations of the heating unit 5, the temperature detection unit 6, the operation unit 7, the display unit 8, and the pressure valve 9.

[0027] [Process of cooking sweet potatoes] Next, a series of operations in the process of cooking sweet potatoes in the cooker 1 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the process of cooking sweet potatoes in the cooker 1 includes a first temperature-raising step S1, a high-temperature maintaining step S2, a sweetening step S3, a second temperature-raising step S4, a cooking step S5, and a post-heating step S6. The cooker 1 is configured so that the operation of the heating unit 5, pressure valve 9, etc. is controlled by the control unit 10, and the first temperature-raising step S1, high-temperature maintaining step S2, sweetening step S3, second temperature-raising step S4, cooking step S5, and post-heating step S6 are carried out, thereby automatically cooking the sweet potatoes.

[0028] In rice cooker 1, a predetermined amount of water (for example, water up to the 0.5 cup markings on the inner circumferential surface of cooking container 4) is placed in cooking container 4, and then sweet potato is placed in cooking container 4. Then, cooking container 4 is placed inside main body 2, and the opening of main body 2 is covered with lid 3. In this state, rice cooker 1 begins cooking the sweet potato by operating operating unit 7 by the user.

[0029] In the process of cooking sweet potato, first, a first temperature-raising step S1 is carried out (step S1). In the first temperature-raising step S1, first, the control unit 10 starts the heating operation of the heating unit 5, thereby heating the cooking container 4 that has not been heated by the heating unit 5. Then, the control unit 10 heats the cooking container 4 by the heating unit 5 for a predetermined time (for example, about 4 to 5 minutes) to raise the temperature of the cooking container 4 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 100°C). The temperature of the cooking container 4 in the first temperature-raising step S1 is higher than the temperature of the cooking container 4 in the sweetness-extracting step S3, and is set to 100°C or a temperature close to 100°C. When the temperature detection unit 6 detects in step S1 that the temperature of the cooking container 4 has risen to the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0030] Next, a high temperature maintaining step S2 is carried out (step S2). In the high-temperature maintaining step S2, the control unit 10 operates the heating unit 5 to maintain the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the first heating step S1 for a predetermined time (e.g., about 2 to 3 minutes). In the high-temperature maintaining step S2, the control unit 10 adjusts the output of the heating unit 5 based on information about the temperature of the cooking container 4 detected by the temperature detection unit 6, thereby maintaining the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the first heating step S1. In this way, by maintaining the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the first heating step S1 for a predetermined time, the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 is heated all the way to its center. After the temperature of the heated cooking container 4 has been maintained for the predetermined time in step S2, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0031] Next, the sweetening step S3 is carried out (step S3). In the sweetening step S3, the control unit 10 controls the heating unit 5 to heat the cooking container 4 at a predetermined temperature lower than the predetermined temperature to which it was heated in the first heating step S1, thereby heating the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. In the sweetening step S3, the control unit 10 adjusts the output of the heating unit 5 based on information about the temperature of the cooking container 4 detected by the temperature detection unit 6, thereby maintaining the temperature of the cooking container 4 at a temperature between 65°C and 75°C for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes) after the temperature of the cooking container 4 drops to 75°C or below. In this way, by heating the sweet potato in the cooking container 4, the β-amylase contained in the sweet potato saccharifies the starch, thereby increasing the sweetness of the sweet potato. After step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the sweetness of the sweet potato is increased.

[0032] Next, a second temperature increasing step S4 is carried out (step S4). In the second temperature-raising step S4, the control unit 10 causes the heating unit 5 to heat the cooking container 4 for a predetermined time (for example, about 2 to 3 minutes) to raise the temperature of the cooking container 4 to a predetermined temperature. The temperature to which the cooking container 4 is raised in the second temperature-raising step S4 is higher than the temperature of the cooking container 4 in the sweetness-extracting step S3, and is set to 100°C or a temperature close to 100°C. When the temperature detection unit 6 detects in step S4 that the temperature of the cooking container 4 has risen to the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0033] Next, a cooking step S5 is carried out (step S5). In the cooking step S5, the control unit 10 controls the heating unit 5 to operate so as to maintain the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the second heating step S4 for a predetermined time (e.g., approximately 10 to 50 minutes). In the cooking step S5, the control unit 10 controls the heating unit 5 to operate to maintain the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the second heating step S4 by adjusting the output of the heating unit 5 based on information about the temperature of the cooking container 4 detected by the temperature detection unit 6. In this way, the temperature of the cooking container 4 heated in the second heating step S4 is maintained for a predetermined time, thereby cooking the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. When cooking of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 is completed in step S5, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0034] Next, a post-heating step S6 is performed (step S6). In the post-heating step S6, the control unit 10 increases the output power higher than the output power in the second heating step S4 and the cooking step S5, and causes the heating unit 5 to heat the cooking container 4 for a predetermined time (for example, about 3 to 6 minutes). By heating the cooking container 4 for a predetermined time using the heating unit 5 with increased output power in this manner, the water remaining in the cooking container 4 is evaporated or the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 is browned. In step S6, after the cooking container 4 has been heated for a predetermined time using the heating unit 5 with increased output power, the control unit 10 stops the heating operation of the heating unit 5. When browning the sweet potato in the cooking container 4, the predetermined time for heating the cooking container 4 by the heating unit 5 is set longer than when evaporating the water remaining in the cooking container 4. In the post-heating step S6, the user can operate the operating unit 7 to select and set, for example, "to stop the heating operation of the heating unit 5 once the water remaining in the cooking container 4 has evaporated" or "to stop the heating operation of the heating unit 5 once the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 has been browned." In the post-heating step S6, it is not possible to set "the heating operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped when the water remaining in the cooking container 4 has evaporated" or "the heating operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped when the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 has browned", and it is also possible to configure it so that it is preset to either "the heating operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped when the water remaining in the cooking container 4 has evaporated" or "the heating operation of the heating unit 5 is stopped when the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 has browned". In this manner, a series of operations for cooking the sweet potato in the cooking appliance 1 is performed.

[0035] As described above, in the sweetness-releasing step S3, the control unit 10 causes the heating unit 5 to heat the cooking container 4 to a predetermined temperature that is lower than the predetermined temperature to which the cooking container 4 was heated in the first heating step S1, thereby heating the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. In this way, the sweet potato is cooked at a relatively low temperature, so that the cooked sweet potato can be made to have a sufficiently increased sweetness.

[0036] As described above, the control unit 10 maintains the temperature of the cooking container 4 at 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower for a predetermined time in the sweetness-extracting step S3. β-amylase contained in sweet potatoes is active at temperatures of 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower. Therefore, by cooking the sweet potatoes at a temperature of 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower, the cooked sweet potatoes can be made to have a sufficiently increased sweetness.

[0037] As described above, after the sweetening step S3, the control unit 10 executes a second heating step S4 in which the heating unit 5 heats the cooking container 4 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cooking container 4 in the sweetening step S3, thereby raising the temperature of the cooking container 4 to a predetermined temperature, and a cooking step S5 in which the temperature of the cooking container 4 raised in the second heating step S4 is maintained for a predetermined time to cook the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. This makes it possible to more reliably heat and cook the sweet potato while further enhancing its sweetness.

[0038] Furthermore, as described above, in rice cooker 1, a series of steps for cooking sweet potatoes are performed to cook them, so that sweet potatoes can be cooked safely and reliably compared to rice cookers that cannot perform such a series of steps for cooking sweet potatoes.

[0039] As described above, the control unit 10 executes the high-temperature maintaining step S2, which maintains the temperature of the cooking container 4 raised in the first temperature-raising step S1 for a predetermined period of time after the first temperature-raising step S1, and executes the sweetness-extracting step S3 after the high-temperature maintaining step S2. By executing the high-temperature maintaining step S2 in this manner, the sweetness-extracting step S3 is executed in a state in which the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 has been heated up to its center, and therefore, in the sweetness-extracting step S3, the starch contained in the sweet potato can be more reliably saccharified and the sweetness of the sweet potato can be increased.

[0040] As described above, after the cooking step S5, the control unit 10 executes the post-heating step S6 in which the heating unit 5 increases its output and heats the cooking container 4 for a predetermined time. By executing the post-heating step S6 in this manner, the water remaining in the cooking container 4 can be evaporated or the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 can be browned.

[0041] The post-heating step S6 may not be performed automatically, but may be performed by the user operating the operation unit 7. Alternatively, the user may operate the operation unit 7 to set the step of cooking the sweet potato without performing the post-heating step S6 after the cooking step S5. In this case, the post-heating step S6 may be performed by the user operating the operation unit 7 after the step of cooking the sweet potato with the setting not to perform the post-heating step S6. In this way, by configuring the post-heating process S6 to be performed by the user operating the operating unit 7, it is possible to evaporate the water remaining in the cooking container 4 and brown the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 at will. The step of cooking the sweet potato may be configured without the post-heating step S6.

[0042] Cooking appliance 1 can also be configured so that, after performing a series of operations in the process of cooking the sweet potato, the user can operate operation unit 7 to cause control unit 10 to additionally operate heating unit 5, thereby heating the sweet potato in cooking appliance 4. When additionally heating the sweet potato in cooking appliance 4 in this way, for example, control unit 10 causes heating unit 5 to heat cooking container 4 and raise the temperature of cooking container 4 to a predetermined temperature, as in the second heating step S4, and then causes heating unit 5 to operate to maintain the raised temperature of cooking container 4 for a predetermined period, as in the cooking step S5. The time for additionally heating the sweet potato in cooking appliance 4 can also be set by the user operating operation unit 7. By configuring it in this way, after performing a series of steps in the process of cooking the sweet potato, for example, if the sweet potato is not heated enough, the sweet potato can be heated as desired to achieve the desired finish.

[0043] The control unit 10 obtains information regarding "the time from when the heating unit 5 starts heating the cooking container 4 until the temperature of the cooking container 4 reaches a predetermined temperature in the first temperature-raising step S1." The control unit 10 determines the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 based on information related to "the time from when the heating unit 5 starts heating the cooking container 4 in the first temperature-raising step S1 until the temperature of the cooking container 4 reaches the predetermined temperature." If the "time from when the heating unit 5 starts heating the cooking container 4 in the first temperature-raising step S1 until the temperature of the cooking container 4 reaches the predetermined temperature" is relatively long, the control unit 10 determines that a relatively large amount of the heat used to heat the cooking container 4 by the heating unit 5 is absorbed by the sweet potato in the cooking container 4, and therefore the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 is relatively large. On the other hand, if the "time from when the heating unit 5 starts heating the cooking container 4 in the first temperature-raising step S1 until the temperature of the cooking container 4 reaches the predetermined temperature" is relatively short, the control unit 10 determines that a relatively small amount of the heat used to heat the cooking container 4 by the heating unit 5 is absorbed by the sweet potato in the cooking container 4, and therefore the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4 is relatively small.

[0044] The control unit 10 then lengthens or shortens the times for each of the high-temperature maintaining step S2, the sweetness-extracting step S3, the second heating step S4, the cooking step S5, and the post-heating step S6 depending on the weight of the sweet potatoes in the cooking container 4. When the weight of the sweet potatoes in the cooking container 4 is relatively large, the control unit 10 lengthens the times for each of the high-temperature maintaining step S2, the sweetness-extracting step S3, the second heating step S4, the cooking step S5, and the post-heating step S6. When the weight of the sweet potatoes in the cooking container 4 is relatively small, the control unit 10 shortens the times for each of the high-temperature maintaining step S2, the sweetness-extracting step S3, the second heating step S4, the cooking step S5, and the post-heating step S6.

[0045] The control unit 10 executes each process according to the weight of sweet potato in the cooking vessel 4, and multiple patterns are preset, such as a long time, a medium time, and a short time. The control unit 10 selects one of the multiple time patterns according to the weight of sweet potato in the cooking vessel 4 and executes each process, such as the high temperature maintenance step S2. Instead of setting multiple time patterns, the control unit 10 can also execute each process, such as the high temperature maintenance step S2, based on map data that indicates the relationship between the weight of sweet potato in the cooking vessel 4 and the time for each process, such as the high temperature maintenance step S2. With the above-described configuration, the sweet potato can be reliably cooked regardless of the weight of the sweet potato occupying the cooking vessel 4. This also makes it possible to prevent the sweet potato from boiling over or being burned during cooking.

[0046] In addition, when the user operates the operating unit 7, the control unit 10 can be configured to extend or shorten the time for at least one of the high-temperature maintaining process S2, the sweetness extracting process S3, the second heating process S4, the cooking process S5, and the post-heating process S6, depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. In addition, the control unit 10 can be configured to be preset to extend or shorten the time for at least one of the high temperature maintaining process S2, the sweetness extracting process S3, the second heating process S4, the cooking process S5, and the post-heating process S6, depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container 4. With the above-described configuration, the sweet potato can be reliably cooked regardless of the weight of the sweet potato occupying the cooking vessel 4. This also makes it possible to prevent the sweet potato from boiling over or being burned during cooking.

[0047] It is also possible to configure the cooking vessel 4 so that the time for each step of the high temperature maintenance step S2 is not controlled to be longer or shorter depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking vessel 4. When configured in this way, the control unit 10 causes each step, such as the high temperature maintenance step S2, to be performed for a medium time, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, as a configuration for "in the first temperature-raising step S1, the control unit 10 lengthens or shortens the duration of each of the high-temperature maintaining step S2, etc., depending on the weight of sweet potato in the cooking container 4," a configuration in which the control unit 10 obtains information regarding "the time from when the heating unit 5 starts heating the cooking container 4 until the temperature of the cooking container 4 reaches a predetermined temperature" in the first temperature-raising step S1 based on information from a steam sensor that detects the temperature of steam generated when the cooking container 4 is heated, instead of the temperature detection unit 6. In this case, the control unit 10 is electrically connected to the steam sensor and controls its operation. The steam sensor is, for example, located near the steam hole in the lid 3.

[0049] The cooking device may be configured to have multiple modes for the execution of the second heating step S4 and the cooking step S5 (execution time, temperature of heated cooking container 4, pressure in the internal space of main body 2 closed by lid 3). In this case, when the user operates operation unit 7, control unit 10 executes second heating step S4 and cooking step S5 in one mode selected from the multiple modes. In this way, by executing second heating step S4 and cooking step S5 in one mode selected from the multiple modes, sweet potatoes are cooked with heat to produce different textures.

[0050] The multiple modes for executing the second temperature-raising step S4 and the cooking step S5 include, for example, a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, which are set in advance and selected by the user operating the operation unit 7. The first mode is a normal mode, and the execution time, the temperature of the heated cooking container 4, and the pressure in the internal space of the main body 2 closed by the lid 3 in the second heating process S4 and the cooking process S5 are each set to a medium level. In the second mode, the execution times of the second temperature-raising step S4 and the cooking step S5 are set to a relatively short time (e.g., 10 to 25 minutes) (see FIG. 5), the temperature of the heated cooking container 4 is set to a relatively high temperature (e.g., 100°C), and the pressure in the internal space of the main body 2 closed by the lid 3 is set to a relatively high pressure. Sweet potatoes cooked in this second mode have a relatively low moisture content and a fluffy texture. In the third mode, the execution times of the second temperature-raising step S4 and the cooking step S5 are set to a relatively long time (e.g., 35 to 50 minutes) (see FIG. 6), the temperature of the heated cooking container 4 is set to a relatively low temperature (e.g., 80 to 90°C), and the pressure in the internal space of the main body 2 closed by the lid 3 is set to a relatively low pressure. Sweet potatoes cooked in this third mode have a relatively high moisture content and a sticky texture.

[0051] As described above, when the user operates the operation unit 7, the control unit 10 executes the second heating step S4 and the cooking step S5 in one mode selected from a plurality of modes, allowing the user to heat and cook the sweet potato to a texture that suits their preference.

[0052] The user can operate the operating unit 7 to set the time for the sweet potato to be cooked (the time when the cooking of the sweet potato is completed) in advance, and the cooking operation of the sweet potato in the cooking device 1 can be automatically started in accordance with the time when the sweet potato is completed. By configuring it in this way, the sweet potato can be cooked according to the time desired by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 rice cooker 2 Main unit 3 Lid 4 Cooking containers 5 Heating section 6 Temperature detection unit 7 Control section 8 Display 9 Pressure Valve 10 Control Unit S1 First heating step S2 High temperature maintenance process S3 Sweetening process S4 Second temperature increase step S5 Cooking process S6 Post-heating process

Claims

1. A cooking device for cooking sweet potatoes, A cooking container configured to be able to store the sweet potato in an internal space; A heating unit that heats the cooking container to heat the sweet potato in the cooking container; a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cooking container; a control unit electrically connected to the heating unit and the temperature detection unit, The control unit a first temperature-raising step of heating the cooking container by the heating unit to raise the temperature of the cooking container to a predetermined temperature; a sweetening step of heating the cooking container by a heating unit at a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature to which the cooking container was heated in the first temperature-raising step to saccharify the starch of the sweet potato in the cooking container and increase the sweetness of the sweet potato; a second temperature-raising step of heating the cooking container by the heating unit at a temperature higher than the temperature of the cooking container in the sweetening step, thereby raising the temperature of the cooking container to a predetermined temperature after the sweetening step; a cooking step of maintaining the temperature of the cooking container heated in the second heating step for a predetermined time to cook the sweet potato in the cooking container; A heating cooker characterized by:

2. The control unit executes an operation of maintaining the temperature of the cooking container at 65°C or higher and 75°C or lower for a predetermined time in the sweetening step. The cooking device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit After the first temperature-raising step, a high-temperature maintaining step is carried out in which the temperature of the cooking container heated in the first temperature-raising step is maintained for a predetermined time. After the high temperature maintaining step, the sweetening step is carried out. The cooking device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit The weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container is determined based on information regarding "the time from when the heating unit starts heating the cooking container until the temperature of the cooking container reaches a predetermined temperature in the first temperature-raising step." The high-temperature maintaining step, the sweetness-extracting step, the second temperature-raising step, the cooking step, and the post-heating step are each performed for a relatively long time depending on the weight of the sweet potato occupying the cooking container. The cooking device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit The weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container is determined based on information about "the time from when the heating unit starts heating the cooking container until the temperature of the cooking container reaches a predetermined temperature in the first temperature-raising step." Depending on the weight of the sweet potato in the cooking container, at least one of the high temperature maintaining step, the sweetness adding step, the second temperature increasing step, the cooking step, and the post-heating step is performed for a longer or shorter time. The cooking device according to claim 3 .

6. An operation unit is provided for allowing a user to give operating instructions to the cooking appliance, The second heating step and the cooking step have a plurality of modes for cooking the sweet potato so as to have different textures, When the operation unit is operated, the control unit executes the second heating step and the cooking step in one mode selected from the plurality of modes. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit After the cooking step, a post-heating step is performed in which the cooking vessel is heated for a predetermined time by the heating unit with increased output. The cooking device according to claim 6 .

Images